Athletes must rely less on supplements, improve diet, claims AFI High Performance director

Athletics Federation of India’s high-performance director Volker Herrman has opined that the Indian athletes need to cut down their intake of supplements to be on par with their competitors across the world. 

“We want to reduce the number of supplements our athletes are taking because it is a bit of an issue right now. In comparison to most of the world- class athletes, I have to say that our athletes are relying too much on supplements, which in most cases are not even helpful,” Herrman was quoted as saying to the Indian Express by scroll.in.

He has suggested better planning of diets and shifting focus to organic food to make up for the body’s requirements instead of relying on supplements. He revealed that they are working on the matter with the Sports Authority of India to ensure the same takes place.

“Athletes must rely less on supplements and develop an understanding of the food they need. We are in discussions with SAI because we have to improve the food at the training centres. I think it’s a problem which SAI has realised and now they have announced a couple of job opportunities for chefs. SAI is willing to listen and adjust a few things,” he added.

Herrman confirmed that the changes at SAI are already underway, with a new diet having already been ordered for.

“We are going to introduce fresh fruit juices at the camps and we get organic eggs. In general, the world diet is based on proper levels of carbohydrates and proteins, and we need to educate the athletes as well about what is the healthy stuff and what is the stuff they better avoid,” he concluded.